Cost Of Living in Gatineau 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Gatineau

Whether you're living in Gatineau or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

5,500 CAD

per month
$4,000

420 CAD   $310
$40,000   55,000 CAD

Single

3,800 CAD

per month
$2,800

1,300 CAD   $930
$19,000   25,000 CAD

Couple

6,300 CAD

per month
$4,600

2,100 CAD   $1,500
$25,000   34,000 CAD

Family

8,400 CAD

per month
$6,200

2,900 CAD   $2,200
$34,000   46,000 CAD

Student

2,700 CAD

per month
$2,000

1,100 CAD   $790
$3,600   4,800 CAD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Gatineau is 3,800 CAD. Expenses can range from 1,300 CAD at the minimum level to 25,000 CAD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Gatineau is 6,300 CAD. Expenditure can range from 2,100 CAD to 34,000 CAD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Gatineau is 8,400 CAD per month. Families spend anywhere from 2,900 CAD to 46,000 CAD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Gatineau is 2,700 CAD. Students spend from 1,100 CAD to 4,800 CAD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Gatineau


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.76 CAD 0.86 CAD 0.99 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.56 $0.63 $0.73
Fast food combo meal
6.4 CAD 13 CAD 21 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $9.5 $16
Restaurant meal for one
21 CAD 31 CAD 62 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $46
Fine dining meal for one
41 CAD 62 CAD 250 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $46 $180
Soda or Soft Drink
0.92 CAD 1.1 CAD 1.3 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.68 $0.79 $0.95
Cappuccino or latte
5.4 CAD 8.6 CAD 13 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $6.3 $9.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
4.3 CAD 5.2 CAD 6.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $3.8 $4.7
Loaf of bread
0.78 CAD 0.88 CAD 1 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.57 $0.65 $0.75
12 eggs
3.2 CAD 4.3 CAD 6.4 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.2 $4.7
Fresh whole chicken
7.3 CAD 9.5 CAD 13 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $7 $9.9
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
8.6 CAD 13 CAD 26 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $9.5 $19
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
3.5 CAD 4.7 CAD 6.7 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.5 $4.9
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1.3 CAD 1.7 CAD 3.2 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.95 $1.3 $2.4
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
2.3 CAD 3 CAD 5 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.2 $3.6

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
5.2 CAD 6.2 CAD 12 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $4.6 $9.1
Average car full tank
32 CAD 43 CAD 86 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $32 $63
Average car 1-day rental
30 CAD 40 CAD 60 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $29 $44
Average car price
16,000 CAD 32,000 CAD 43,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12,000 $24,000 $32,000
Bus ticket one way
1.00 CAD 1.5 CAD 3 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.73 $1.1 $2.2
Car Service
40 CAD 60 CAD 120 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $44 $88

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
76 CAD 230 CAD 1,500 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$56 $170 $1,100
Utility Bill - Couple
110 CAD 320 CAD 1,700 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77 $230 $1,200
Utility Bill - Family
88 CAD 250 CAD 1,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$65 $190 $1,000
Internet and cable
32 CAD 64 CAD 86 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $47 $63
Mobile phone charges
26 CAD 43 CAD 130 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $32 $95

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
16 CAD 21 CAD 32 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $24
One month gym membership
48 CAD 60 CAD 120 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $44 $88

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
35 CAD 50 CAD 75 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $37 $55
Woman dress
33 CAD 46 CAD 150 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $34 $110
Woman shoes
31 CAD 43 CAD 100 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $31 $73
Men's shoes
27 CAD 33 CAD 66 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $24 $49
Men suit
30 CAD 37 CAD 200 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $27 $150
Regular t-shirt
15 CAD 20 CAD 60 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $44

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
500 CAD 750 CAD 2,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $550 $1,500
1-bedroom apartment
750 CAD 1,200 CAD 3,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $880 $2,200
2-bedroom apartment
1,000 CAD 1,500 CAD 4,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$730 $1,100 $2,900

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
100,000 CAD 150,000 CAD 300,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73,000 $110,000 $220,000
1-bedroom apartment
120,000 CAD 200,000 CAD 750,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$88,000 $150,000 $550,000
2-bedroom apartment
200,000 CAD 600,000 CAD 1.2M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $440,000 $880,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
640 CAD 810 CAD 1,100 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $590 $790
Double Bed
430 CAD 640 CAD 810 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $470 $590
Single Bed
380 CAD 500 CAD 640 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $360 $470
Living Room
720 CAD 920 CAD 3,200 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$530 $680 $2,400
Dining Table
320 CAD 430 CAD 810 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $320 $590
Sofa or Couch
430 CAD 590 CAD 1,300 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $430 $950

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
430 CAD 640 CAD 1,300 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $470 $950
Fridge or Freezer
380 CAD 590 CAD 810 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $430 $590
Washing Machine
500 CAD 720 CAD 1,300 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $530 $950
Stove or Cooker
460 CAD 590 CAD 810 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $430 $590
Mobile Phone
540 CAD 640 CAD 920 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $470 $680
Laptop or Computer
590 CAD 720 CAD 1,300 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $530 $950

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Gatineau

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

72%

64% to 81%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%17%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Gatineau is 72% This means that on average, people spend around 72% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
65%
Spending-Income-Ratio
57%
73%

Couple
68%
Spending-Income-Ratio
61%
77%

Family
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
67%
85%

How do people spend their money in Gatineau?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

LOW$93   130 CAD
AVERAGE$1,200   1,600 CAD
HIGH$12,000   16,000 CAD
Per Month

People living in Gatineau typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,600 CAD with expenditure ranging from 130 CAD to 16,000 CAD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$15   21 CAD
AVERAGE$200   270 CAD
HIGH$2,000   2,700 CAD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Gatineau ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 270 CAD with 21 CAD and 2,700 CAD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$31   42 CAD
AVERAGE$400   550 CAD
HIGH$4,000   5,500 CAD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 42 CAD to 5,500 CAD on commuting with 550 CAD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$77   110 CAD
AVERAGE$1,000   1,400 CAD
HIGH$10,000   14,000 CAD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Gatineau is 1,400 CAD. The cost of groceries can range between 110 CAD to 14,000 CAD. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$22   29 CAD
AVERAGE$280   380 CAD
HIGH$2,800   3,800 CAD
Per Month

People in Gatineau allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 29 CAD to 3,800 CAD with 380 CAD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$12   17 CAD
AVERAGE$160   220 CAD
HIGH$1,600   2,200 CAD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 17 CAD to 2,200 CAD with 220 CAD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$19   25 CAD
AVERAGE$240   330 CAD
HIGH$2,400   3,300 CAD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 330 CAD per month with 25 CAD being the minimum spent amount and 3,300 CAD being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$40   55 CAD
AVERAGE$520   710 CAD
HIGH$5,200   7,100 CAD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Gatineau every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Gatineau manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
61%
Not Saving
39%

Almost 61% of the surveyed people in Gatineau said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 39% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Gatineau

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles65%35%
Couples61%40%
Families56%44%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

180 CAD
$130
2,300 CAD
$1,700
23,000 CAD
$17,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 12% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,300 CAD on average with savings ranging from 180 CAD to 23,000 CAD.

65% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 61% of couples said the same. 56% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Gatineau?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

530 CAD
$390
1,600 CAD
$1,200
11,000 CAD
$7,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%30%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%15%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,600 CAD with 530 CAD and 11,000 CAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

880 CAD
$650
2,600 CAD
$1,900
14,000 CAD
$10,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 30% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 2,600 CAD with 880 CAD and 14,000 CAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,200 CAD
$910
3,500 CAD
$2,600
19,000 CAD
$14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Gatineau can save anywhere between 11% to 27% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 3,500 CAD with 1,200 CAD and 19,000 CAD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Gatineau

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Gatineau?


Yes
71%
No
29%

Around 71% of surveyed residents think that living in Gatineau is affordable with proper budgeting while 29% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Gatineau

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options55%

Few low-cost options45%


Based on the survey, 55% of the people living in Gatineau have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 45% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Gatineau whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes69%

No31%


Based on the survey, 31% of the people living in Gatineau said that they don't have an emergency fund while 69% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Canada

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy75%


We asked residents of Canada whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 25% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 75% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Canada have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 21% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 79% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance21%

Easily manages finances79%

Financial goals of people in Gatineau

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Gatineau, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction36%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle9%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 36% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Gatineau

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Gatineau. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Gatineau

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Gatineau

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Gatineau and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Canada is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Gatineau:
AgeAmount
2516,000 CAD
3031,000 CAD
3554,000 CAD
4078,000 CAD
45120,000 CAD
50160,000 CAD
55190,000 CAD
60240,000 CAD
65290,000 CAD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Gatineau about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Gatineau

910 CAD
$670
2,700 CAD
$2,000
18,000 CAD
$13,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Gatineau


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
22%
Debt Free
78%

According to the survey, 22% of the people in Gatineau have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 78% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Gatineau

Debt to income ratio

23%

15% to 32%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 23% of the people's monthly income in Gatineau goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%14%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%16%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Gatineau pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 14% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Gatineau

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan20%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan39%

12% of debtors in Gatineau confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 20% of people and personal loans rose at 39%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Gatineau.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Gatineau

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Gatineau how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Gatineau

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Gatineau

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
500 CAD 750 CAD 2,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $550 $1,500
1-bedroom apartment
750 CAD 1,200 CAD 3,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $880 $2,200
2-bedroom apartment
1,000 CAD 1,500 CAD 4,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$730 $1,100 $2,900
3-bedroom apartment
1,200 CAD 2,000 CAD 5,400 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$880 $1,500 $4,000
Furnished apartment
2,400 CAD 6,000 CAD 12,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,800 $4,400 $8,800
Townhouse
2,000 CAD 3,000 CAD 8,500 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $2,200 $6,300
House
2,400 CAD 6,000 CAD 12,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,800 $4,400 $8,800
Villa
3,000 CAD 7,500 CAD 12,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,200 $5,500 $8,800

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Gatineau ranges between 500 CAD and 2,000 CAD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 750 CAD to 3,000 CAD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,000 CAD and 4,000 CAD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,200 CAD to 5,400 CAD. The average rent of a townhouse in Gatineau is around 3,000 CAD while house rental costs can be as high as 6,000 CAD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,000 CAD to 12,000 CAD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Gatineau

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
100,000 CAD 150,000 CAD 300,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73,000 $110,000 $220,000
1-bedroom apartment
120,000 CAD 200,000 CAD 750,000 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$88,000 $150,000 $550,000
2-bedroom apartment
200,000 CAD 600,000 CAD 1.2M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $440,000 $880,000
3-bedroom apartment
660,000 CAD 1,000,000 CAD 3M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490,000 $730,000 $2.2M
Townhouse
850,000 CAD 2M CAD 7.5M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$630,000 $1.5M $5.5M
House
1,000,000 CAD 6M CAD 8.5M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$730,000 $4.4M $6.3M
Villa
1.2M CAD 6.6M CAD 10M CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$880,000 $4.9M $7.3M

The average price of a studio apartment in Gatineau can range from 100,000 CAD to 300,000 CAD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 120,000 CAD to 750,000 CAD. A villa can cost you 6.6M CAD on average with prices ranging from 1.2M CAD to 10M CAD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Gatineau will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


41 x120 monthly income 196
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Gatineau can be x120 to x196 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x120 multiples of the average monthly salary in Gatineau.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 30% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Gatineau is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 39% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
28%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


8.4 CAD 110 CAD 1,100 CAD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Gatineau

Housing32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$330   450 CAD
AVERAGE$1,000   1,400 CAD
HIGH$6,700   9,100 CAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$56   76 CAD
AVERAGE$170   230 CAD
HIGH$1,100   1,500 CAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$74   100 CAD
AVERAGE$220   300 CAD
HIGH$1,500   2,000 CAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$150   200 CAD
AVERAGE$450   610 CAD
HIGH$3,000   4,000 CAD
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$84   110 CAD
AVERAGE$250   340 CAD
HIGH$1,700   2,300 CAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$46   63 CAD
AVERAGE$140   190 CAD
HIGH$930   1,300 CAD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$19   25 CAD
AVERAGE$56   76 CAD
HIGH$370   510 CAD
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$170   230 CAD
AVERAGE$500   680 CAD
HIGH$3,300   4,500 CAD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Gatineau

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$510   700 CAD
AVERAGE$1,500   2,100 CAD
HIGH$8,200   11,000 CAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$77   110 CAD
AVERAGE$230   320 CAD
HIGH$1,200   1,700 CAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$190   250 CAD
AVERAGE$560   760 CAD
HIGH$3,000   4,000 CAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$220   290 CAD
AVERAGE$650   880 CAD
HIGH$3,500   4,700 CAD
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$170   230 CAD
AVERAGE$510   700 CAD
HIGH$2,700   3,700 CAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$93   130 CAD
AVERAGE$280   380 CAD
HIGH$1,500   2,000 CAD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$31   42 CAD
AVERAGE$93   130 CAD
HIGH$500   670 CAD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$260   360 CAD
AVERAGE$790   1,100 CAD
HIGH$4,200   5,700 CAD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Gatineau

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)

LOW$690   940 CAD
AVERAGE$2,000   2,700 CAD
HIGH$11,000   15,000 CAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$170   240 CAD
AVERAGE$500   670 CAD
HIGH$2,700   3,700 CAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$390   530 CAD
AVERAGE$1,100   1,500 CAD
HIGH$6,100   8,300 CAD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$170   240 CAD
AVERAGE$500   670 CAD
HIGH$2,700   3,700 CAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$110   150 CAD
AVERAGE$310   420 CAD
HIGH$1,700   2,300 CAD
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$300   410 CAD
AVERAGE$870   1,200 CAD
HIGH$4,800   6,500 CAD
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$260   350 CAD
AVERAGE$740   1,000 CAD
HIGH$4,100   5,600 CAD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Gatineau

Housing20%

20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)

LOW$190   260 CAD
AVERAGE$470   650 CAD
HIGH$850   1,200 CAD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$32   43 CAD
AVERAGE$79   110 CAD
HIGH$140   190 CAD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$55   75 CAD
AVERAGE$140   190 CAD
HIGH$250   340 CAD
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$160   220 CAD
AVERAGE$400   540 CAD
HIGH$710   970 CAD
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$47   65 CAD
AVERAGE$120   160 CAD
HIGH$210   290 CAD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$40   54 CAD
AVERAGE$99   130 CAD
HIGH$180   240 CAD
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$150   200 CAD
AVERAGE$380   510 CAD
HIGH$680   920 CAD
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$120   160 CAD
AVERAGE$300   400 CAD
HIGH$530   730 CAD
Per Month
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